Episode 122 – The Missing Piece in First Responder Mental Health – Bellator Fortitudinum with Nick White and Krista Hawke

In this episode, we come to you live from the National Suicide Prevention Conference, where we sit down with Nick White and Krista Hawke to talk about what’s really missing in the mental health space for first responders.

Nick shares how Bellator Fortitudinum has grown from a small support network into a nationwide charity helping current and former first responders find connection, purpose, and support after the job. From lived experience to life-saving impact, this is raw, honest insight into what actually works.

Krista brings nearly three decades of experience as a psychologist working with first responders, breaking down the reality of PTSD, moral injury, and why so many traditional support systems miss the mark. Together, we unpack the importance of peer support, early intervention, and why understanding the job is critical to helping those who’ve lived it.

This is a powerful conversation about identity, transition, and the importance of looking after those who’ve spent their careers looking after everyone else.